You’ve finally taken the plunge, and now two hearts – and homes – are ready to become one. Are you having trouble getting things rolling? The following tips can help you combine your individual styles without draining your mutual bank account.

Put Money Back in Your Pocket

If you haven’t figured it out by now, the internet is your best friend when it comes to finding ways to save money or, even better, get paid to buy the things already on your shopping list. Many of the most popular home decor stores, including Bed, Bath, and Beyond, offer frequent clearance sales and cash back opportunities, both online and in store. Another option is to download a store-specific app, which will often offer exclusive discounts and coupons. For example, Target offers an app that gives you access to 5-50% off discounts on hundreds of items.

Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Hard Work

Saving money on pre-made decor is one thing, but you’ll get the most bang for your buck if you have the time and energy to roll up your sleeves and make it yourself. For less than $100, a can of paint, and a long weekend, you can create an entirely new look in each room of your home. ApartmentTherapy.com showcases several DIY wall styles, including tile-like stenciling.

Once you have your walls the way you want them, you can get to work on the accents. Browse your favorite high-end catalogs for inspiration and then grab a glue gun. For around $15, you can buy a poster print of pictures taken on your favorite trip – perhaps the honeymoon – and add a piece of wood trim at the top and bottom. Add a piece of twine for hanging and you have a gorgeous centerpiece for any room. You can also decorate inexpensive lamps or create your own pillow covers with linen from the remnants section of your local craft store.

If you are willing to work together, there’s no reason you can’t transform large pieces of furniture with a staple gun and a pair of old drapes. This couch upholstery tutorial by Four Generations One Roof can help you get you started.

Shop the Steals and Deals

Maybe you’re not the crafty type and the idea of redoing your walls is too intimidating to tackle. You still have plenty of options to decorate your new home without starting a fight over finances. One of the most popular events for snagging cheap home goods is the 127 Yard Sale, which happens each August and runs from Michigan to Alabama. If you’d rather stick a little closer to home, New Hampshire has plenty of antique and thrift shops at your disposal. Olde Town Hall Antiques is open seven days a week and boasts a dozen rooms of the best vintage pieces just waiting for your creative reimagining. Wonderland Thrift Shop in Stratham is another option and comes with the added benefit of helping families in need throughout the area.

Keep in mind that when you combine households, and there must be compromise. You may lean toward clean and modern, but your spouse, partner, or roommate may enjoy the eclectic feel of farmhouse trimmings and trappings. The key to living harmoniously is to find a balance between your likes and dislikes.

When money is in short supply, your walls are often the first things to suffer. These tips can help you turn an empty room into a work of art even if your budget doesn’t go beyond the double digits. Remember, search for deals or have a second-hand shopping adventure. It may not be easy, but decorating your home together is a bonding experience you won’t soon forget.

Author

Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.